How Are Highly and Profoundly Gifted Students Different?

If you suspect your child is gifted, you many notice a lot of signs. IQ
isn’t the only thing that distinguishes a profoundly gifted child from other
students. Though their intelligence is clearly the most prevalent feature,
ironically, it may not be the first thing that a teacher notices when faced
with a child whose intellectual potential exceeds her own. If you think your
child might fit the bill for the profoundly gifted, read on for some valuable
information and tips to help your child succeed in school and in life.

They’re Precocious in Nearly
Every Way

Studies of highly and profoundly gifted students have revealed that
these students aren’t just smart -- they’re advanced at nearly everything they do.
Although there are exceptions to the rule, these children tend to walk, talk,
and achieve other developmental milestones much earlier than other kids.
Obviously, they are mentally advanced, but not just when it comes to reading
and math; students with extremely high IQs develop an awareness of “self vs.
others” much earlier than their peers. For example, most preschool and
Kindergarten students are entirely self-absorbed and therefore don’t compare
themselves to others in their class. Profoundly gifted students in this same
age group, however, can and do observe not only their own behaviors, but the
behaviors of the children around them as well. They may comment on a friend’s
speech, for instance, or wonder why Susie can’t read yet. Their curiosity isn’t
born out of arrogance, but from an almost desperate need to understand why
they’re so different from their peers.

They’re At Greater Risk for
Social Isolation

It’s because of this early and keen awareness that profoundly gifted
students are at a greater risk for social isolation. Although all gifted
students are susceptible to social difficulties, exceptionally gifted students
find it particularly difficult to relate to others because firstly, they are so
very different and secondly, they’re painfully aware of it. Instead of being
proud of their accomplishments, many highly intelligent students feel ashamed
and will begin to hide their abilities in an attempt to fit in with their
classmates. Since they typically have little in common with their same-aged
peers, however, this attempt is usually an unsuccessful one. This realization
can result in further isolation and even depression. Exceptionally gifted
students are not socially inept though. When given the opportunity, profoundly gifted students often
get along swimmingly with students who are 2, 3, or even 5+ years older than
them. Unfortunately, since these children are almost always put in classrooms
with students of the same age, regardless of their academic ability, few have
the chance to form meaningful relationships with older kids. This system forces an artificial and
unnecessary sense of social isolation.

They May Not Appear Gifted

Ironically, the most gifted of all students are often the ones who fall
through the cracks. This is especially true for students who aren’t identified
within the first couple of years of schooling. As profoundly gifted students
become more aware of their differences, they are more likely to try to blend in
with their peers, either mimicking their behavior or becoming completely
withdrawn. As they realize that they cannot assimilate to the classroom
environment, they may become increasingly apathetic about school. This apathy
often evolves into anger. Some highly gifted students decide that school just isn’t
their thing, rebelling against their teachers and refusing to complete their
school assignments. Many teachers see this behavior and dismiss the students as
incapable when in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. In these
cases, someone -- whether it be a teacher or more likely, a parent -- must intervene.
It’s imperative that these children come to grips with the fact that they’re
not like other people, and more importantly, they must accept the fact that
this is ok.

They’re Underserved

Perhaps the most important distinction we can make about profoundly
gifted students is the recognition that they’re grossly underserved. Schools
make many accommodations for the learning disabled and for students who are
moderately gifted, but for the smartest among us, there is often little to no intervention
or assistance. Even when teachers do recognize a gifted student who hasn’t been
accurately identified, many of them turn a blind eye to the situation. Schools
often favor classroom management over individual assistance, and in these
situations, gifted students who require enrichment or more challenging
assignments can easily be perceived as a nuisance. When this perception takes
over, many teachers resort to assigning busy work which, of course, bores
gifted students, and the cycle continues.

They Need Advocacy

More than any other group of students, the profoundly gifted are in need
of advocacy. The parents of these students are likely more aware of their intellectual
capacity than anyone else. That’s why it’s imperative that parents either speak
up and demand that schools listen or provide the necessary educational
resources themselves. Whether you develop a relationship with your school’s
administrators and teachers or take a do-it-yourself approach, keep in mind
that a profoundly gifted student requires:

A stimulating environment

Challenging tasks

Lots of encouragement

Relationships with people of similar intelligence levels

The freedom of choosing which activities to pursue

Stimulation of all senses

Interactive assignments rather than passive lectures

Autonomy to explore curiosities

If you suspect that your child is profoundly gifted, then the first step
is to have him or her tested. An IQ score will confirm your suspicions and
allow you to provide the necessary resources and accommodations your child
needs to excel, not only in the classroom, but in life as well!

Award-winning study
and life skills experts Rick and Teena Kamal founded EduNova to prepare
students to lead and thrive in the global economy. They worked with 33 top
university education experts and many successful senior executives to produce
resources that empower middle school, high school and college students to
succeed. Learn more at www.HowToStudyBest.com.